Loaned Vehicle and Liability FAQs

As a vehicle owner, some circumstances may cause you to lend your car to someone else. Whether it is a friend or a family member, lending your vehicle to others is a generous gesture to perform. When drivers borrow another’s car, auto accidents may occur for various reasons. Loaned vehicle accidents may occur due to lack of familiarity with a vehicle, distracted driving, or unsafe road conditions. If your loaned vehicle becomes involved in an auto accident, immediately contact a personal injury attorney. As you hand your keys over to another driver, the following loaned vehicle and liability frequently asked questions will provide some clarity.

Who is responsible for an accident when I loan my car to someone?

The answer to this question depends on multiple factors. The first factor is the living situation, if the person who borrowed your vehicle is a member of your household, with the same insurance coverage. If you have the same insurance policy, you will still be asked to display evidence the the person who borrowed your car is an actual resident at your residence. For example, if a visiting relative is staying at your home for the month, they are not considered to be a member of your household. You have the option to add this person to your insurance policy, if they will be borrowing your car on a regular basis.

Another factor of responsibility for a loaned vehicle car accident is driving permission. If you did not give someone permission to borrow your car, you will not be held liable for the accident. You may be held liable for sing your insurance policy, to pay for damaged parts of your vehicle.

Who is responsible for an accident when I loan my car to my employee?

When an employee is the driver involved in an accident, the situation is handled differently. This area of law is considered “imputed negligence” or “vicarious liability”, meaning that one person may be held liable for another party, if there is a specific relationship. In this case, the specific relationship is between an employee and an employer. If the employee was completing responsibilities associated with the job, when the accident occurred, the employer may be held responsible for negligent driving that caused the accident.

What should I look for in a personal injury attorney?

Due to various factors that are involved with the nature of the accident, laws and regulations may confuse you. Unfortunately, even if you were not the driver of the accident, you may still be held liable for the damages. You may be held responsible if the driver, other drivers, or pedestrians were injured, as a result of the accident. Contact a credible personal injury attorney immediately after the accident occurs. Look for an attorney with experience in auto accidents, an attorney who regularly updates you with the progress of the case, and an attorney who answers your questions. Obtain copies of documentation relating to the accident, photographs of injuries, and the accident scene. Loaned vehicle accident and liability are complex matters. Review these frequently asked questions and other resources to move forward with the case, and contact a personal injury attorney.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car crash or truck accident and are in need of an accident attorney in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Naples, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Ft. Myers or any other city in Florida –remember after 911, call 411! 1-800-411-PAIN can put you in touch with an experienced, aggressive network attorney who will fight for your rights and get the maximum compensation you deserve. Don’t forget to follow 411 PAIN on Twitter (@411PAIN), keep up with the conversation at #411PAIN and check out the 411 PAIN event gallery 411painevents.com!